Van Dijk’s dramatic winner gives Liverpool a perfect start in Champions League

KATHMANDU: Liverpool began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Atlético Madrid, thanks to a last-gasp winner from captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds made a flying start in Madrid, with Andy Robertson scoring in just the 4th minute.

Moments later, Mohamed Salah doubled the lead to put Liverpool 2–0 ahead inside six minutes.

Atlético, however, clawed their way back.

Marcos Llorente struck just before halftime and added a second in the 81st minute to level the score at 2–2.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Van Dijk rose highest from a corner in stoppage time to head home the decisive goal and secure a dramatic win for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

Wednesday’s Champions League Results

• Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid

• Olympiacos 0–0 Pafos

• Slavia Prague 2–2 Bodø/Glimt

• Ajax 0–2 Inter Milan

• Bayern Munich 3–1 Chelsea

• Paris Saint-Germain 4–0 Atalanta

PSG Off to a Flying Start

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also made a statement with a commanding 4–0 victory over Atalanta at Parc des Princes. Four different players found the net for the French giants.

Captain Marquinhos opened the scoring with a header in the 3rd minute, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead in the 39th minute. Nuno Mendes struck early in the second half with a stunning finish, and Gonçalo Ramos sealed the rout with a stoppage-time goal.

Bayern and Inter Victorious

Bayern Munich cruised to a 3–1 win over Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. An own goal by Trevoh Chalobah and a Harry Kane penalty gave Bayern an early cushion. Although Cole Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea, Kane struck again in the 63rd minute to secure the victory.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan claimed a 2–0 away win against Ajax, with Marcus Thuram scoring twice with well-placed headers in the 42nd and 47th minutes.